I know we are a rare breed, and figuring since this is probably the biggest place for X enthusiasts to gather, I'd like to start up a list of E53's with 3 pedals so we can get an idea of how many are on the boards!

If you'd like, post up a picture of your car, and any fun stories about how long it took you to find an X in a stick, etc. I would also like to start a list for registering 2001-2003 5 speeds versus 2004-2006 6 speeds!

We purchased it in December, looked long and hard for a manual. So far we are very happy with it. Rediscovering the joy of driving.
When I purchased it I knew the rear suspension bushings were worn out. I think that is why the owner traded it in. Replaced them last week, the car is even better.
I would think that the manuals are harder on the rear bushing due to a more aggressive shifting.

I would love a manual transmission X5, or X3 for that matter. It seems out out of character for a SUV to have a stick and makes it so much more unique. Driving a manual is so much fun too! Too bad you can't autocross an X5 otherwise I probably would be out of this Impreza and back into another X5 or X3.

2005 X5 6 speed with lots of options but no nav. Has sport package, drives like a sports car. 115,000 miles and going strong. Bought it at 10,000 and had CPO warranty until 100,000. Like new, willl keep it forever.

Add me..... Currently in a 2004 Kalahari Beige Metallic Manual 6-speed. Picked it up a month ago after sadly sending my 2001 Boston Green Metallic Manual 5-speed to BMW hell after a collision. It took 6 months to find my '01. It was loaded with sport, prem, nav, DSP,and privacy with the only exception of not having the cold climate package. 145k.

However, after searching for a month I found a perfect replacement with the right amount of compromise which I never thought would happen. Turns out the previous owner is a member of this board, and made a few fine upgrades. AFE Intake, Conforti Shark Injector Chip, free flow mufflers with some nice exhaust tips to round it out. He also added a tow package with a brake controller. Full Credit to FullTilt. 112k with Cold Climate, Nav, and Premium packages. Very clean.
I will post some pics soon. Stainless steel headers are next.

If you want to know my initial impressions from going from the 5-speed to the 6-speed with x-drive I can share. Just be careful with your manual-X. They are a rare breed and among the best in my book.

8/03 production with 153k. All options but dsp and nav, xenons, rear heated seats and sport pack. Just installed the factory tow kit and about to pull a dual axle 5000 pound trailer 1400 miles this weekend, hope my clutch survives